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Before Using This Medicine
Pregnancy¡XCelecoxib has not been studied in pregnant women. However, there is a chance that this medicine may cause unwanted effects on the heart or blood flow of the fetus or newborn baby if it is t
ken regularly during the last few months of pregnancy. Studies in animals have shown that celecoxib has caused birth defects of the ribs and sternebrae. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doc
tor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant
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How should you take this medication?
Celecoxib comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any par
t you do not understand. Take celecoxib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
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What Is It
Celebrex is prescribed for acute pain, menstrual cramps, and the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is the first of a new class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
s (NSAIDs) called "COX-2 inhibitors." Like older NSAIDs such as Motrin and Naprosyn, Celebrex is believed to fight pain and inflammation by inhibiting the effect of a natural enzyme called COX-2. Unli
ke the older medications, however, it does not interfere with a similar substance, called COX-1, which exerts a protective effect on the lining of the stomach. Celebrex is therefore less likely to cau
se the bleeding and ulcers that sometimes accompany sustained use of the older NSAIDs.
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What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from celecoxib are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- water retention
- upset stomach
- sto
mach pain or cramps
- diarrhea
- gas
- headache
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- bloody vomit
- bloody diarrhea
or black, tarry stools
- ringing in the ears
- blurred vision
- swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- skin rash
- itching
- yellowing of the skin or eyes <
br> - unexplained weight gain
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Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
If Celebrex is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Celebrex with the
following:
- ACE-inhibitors (a type of blood pressure and heart medication, including such drugs as Capoten, Vasotec, and Prinivil)
- Blood thinning agents such as Coumadin
- Fluco
nazole (Diflucan)
- Furosemide (Lasix)
- Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
- Thiazide diuretics (water pills) such as hydrochlorothiazide and Dyazide
If you take low-dose aspirin t
o protect against heart attack, you can continue taking it with Celebrex.
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Overdose
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of Celebrex overdose may include:
Breathing diffic
ulties, coma, drowsiness, gastrointestinal bleeding, high blood pressure, kidney failure, nausea, sluggishness, stomach pain, vomiting
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